{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Startups from Funding to Community w\/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP20 (282) 10-19-2025","description":"   Startups from Funding to Community w\/ Daniela Santagelo of Freeway - AZ TRT S06 EP15 (277) 10-19-2025       What We Learned This Week: Freeway - Helping Startups - Talent \u2022 Capital \u2022 Community Talent Retention & Reinvestment are key to building a Flywheel Phoenix Tech Ecosystem is growing, but not yet mature Always need more VC Funding + Deal Flow Government Partnership as enabler for Tech     Guest: Daniela Santagelo https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/danielaalpert\/ I\u2019m a founder, startup ecosystem builder, and civic innovation partner working at the intersection of tech, talent, and community. Through my work with Freeway Phx, I help cities, startups, and global partners co-create thriving innovation ecosystems, starting in Arizona and building bridges worldwide. I believe that opportunity doesn\u2019t just happen. It\u2019s designed. That\u2019s why I focus on activating communities, cultivating tech talent, and building connective infrastructure that turns vision into velocity. My journey spans founding multiple companies including scaling a venture-backed startup to $33M in funding and helping grow it to a $100M business. I\u2019ve also spent 15 years in the Moving & Relocation industry, which gave me a unique lens on talent migration patterns and the infrastructure needed to build resilient, people-first startup communities. Like many founders, I\u2019ve experienced both the highs of scaling and the lows of setback. That reinvention shaped my sharper mission: helping founders grow and give back. \u26a1\ufe0f I lead Tech Talent Summits that connect employers, educators, and jobseekers\ud83c\udf0d I support global delegations and help founders expand across borders\ud83e\udded I advise founders on story, capital, and strategy with a human-first, results-driven approach Whether I\u2019m building public-private partnerships, launching a new venture, or guiding a founder through their next chapter, I care about building with legacy, community, and courage. Let\u2019s co-create what\u2019s next! daniela@founderfreeway.com   freewayphx.com We\u2019re your community partner in building a modern workforce Whether you\u2019re hiring, scaling, or making a career move, Freeway connects the dots that job boards and pipelines can\u2019t.     Here are 5 main ideas learned from the podcast: 1. Phoenix\u2019s Tech Ecosystem Is Growing but Not Yet Mature Phoenix is showing strong momentum with new funding, company relocations, and sector growth (microchips, AI, defense, and health tech), but it hasn\u2019t reached critical mass compared to cities like Austin or Miami. The region still needs more deal flow, successful exits, and reinvestment from local founders to sustain long-term growth. 2. Talent Retention and Reinvestment Are Key to Building a Flywheel A major challenge is the \u201cbrain drain\u201d \u2014 founders and investors leaving after exits. For Phoenix to thrive, successful entrepreneurs must stay, mentor others, and reinvest profits locally. This recycled success (the \u201cflywheel effect\u201d) is essential for building a lasting innovation community. 3. Public-Private Partnerships Strengthen the Ecosystem Collaboration between government, universities, investors, and entrepreneurs (through groups like ACA, GPEC, and Southwest MAC) is crucial. While government can enable infrastructure, real progress happens when private founders lead and public institutions act as supporters or \u201cfeeders.\u201d 4. Culture and Community Matter as Much as Capital Brad Feld\u2019s \u201cStartup Communities\u201d framework highlights that strong ecosystems are entrepreneur-led, mentorship-driven, and collaborative. A culture of \u201cgive first\u201d \u2014 where leaders help others without expecting immediate returns \u2014 builds trust and long-term strength within the community. 5. Phoenix Has a Clear Opportunity to Become a Major Tech Hub by 2030 With major investments (like Hadrian\u2019s $200M AI factory) and an influx of talent from higher-cost states, Phoenix is positioned for rapid growth. If local leaders stay committed to developing talent, attracting capital, and telling the city\u2019s tech story effectively, it can emerge as a leading innovation center in the next decade.   Notes: Building a Thriving Tech Ecosystem in Phoenix Segment 1: The Phoenix Tech Landscape \u2013 Building a Community Key Theme Public and private partnerships are essential to growing a strong, sustainable tech ecosystem in Phoenix. The goal: build an environment that supports startups from funding to mentorship, attracts talent, and retains capital within Arizona. Current Ecosystem Overview \u00b7         Silicon Valley (CA) and Silicon Slopes (UT) serve as models for how regional tech ecosystems can evolve. \u00b7         Phoenix has growing momentum but lacks the critical mass seen in other markets. \u00b7         Total deal volume: $435 million \u2014 promising, but still behind Austin, Miami, and California. \u00b7         2025 so far: 47 funding rounds, compared to 88 in 2024 and Miami\u2019s 241. Challenges \u00b7         Talent Drain: Founders and VCs often leave Phoenix after exits (\u201cbrain drain\u201d). \u00b7         Ecosystem Sophistication: Fewer investors and mentors compared to established hubs. \u00b7         Access: Limited connectivity between startups, capital, and mentorship networks. \u00b7         Diversity of Talent: Need for broader, more inclusive participation in the local startup scene. Opportunities & Growth Areas \u00b7         Industry Strengths: o    Microchips & semiconductors o    Health care (e.g., Mayo Clinic) o    Software & AI o    Defense innovation (e.g., Southwest Mission Acceleration Center) \u00b7         Key Local Organizations: o    ACA (Arizona Commerce Authority) o    GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council) o    Southwest MAC \u2013 Center for defense innovation o    The Crown Room (Tempe) \u2013 Coworking and company-building hub Leaders & Companies to Watch \u00b7         Gregg Scoresby: o    Exited with CampusLogic (sold to Ellucian in 2022). o    Founder of PHX Ventures and PHX FWD to reinvest in local startups. \u00b7         Hadrian (CA): o    Investing $200M to build an AI-powered manufacturing hub in Mesa, AZ. \u00b7         Prickly Pear Health (Healthtech): o    Raised $350K pre-seed; founded by Imen Clark \u2014 focused on women\u2019s brain health and AI. \u00b7         Chris Fox: HR consulting leader \u2013 cfoxyaz.com \u00b7         Rob Vera: GCU professor teaching entrepreneurship frameworks, angel investor, and advisor. \u00b7         Joshua Siu: Connects tech talent to local opportunities. Key Points \u00b7         The illusion of exit: when successful founders sell and leave, rather than reinvesting locally. \u00b7         The flywheel effect: recycled profits and mentorship keep the ecosystem alive. \u00b7         Building a healthy innovation community means inspiring founders to stay, give back, and mentor others. \u00b7         Phoenix is at an inflection point \u2014 the story and narrative matter. \u00b7         The city must define why tech companies and talent should choose Phoenix over Austin or California. \u00b7         Need more local success stories to attract capital and credibility. Segment 2: Events, Civic Engagement & Ecosystem Playbook Upcoming Event: Freeway Tech Summit 2025 \u00b7         Dates: November 6\u20137, 2025 \u00b7         Location: Downtown Phx - WebPT Building \u00b7         Day 1: Career Fair \u00b7         Day 2: Pitch Competition \u00b7         Partners: StartupAZ, 40 speakers & more\u2026. \u00b7         Focus: Talent \u2022 Capital \u2022 Community \u00b7         Website: freewayphx.com\/tech-talent-summit-2025 Civic Entrepreneurship & Public Role \u00b7         Brian Smith, City of Phoenix: o    Advocates for civic entrepreneurship\u2014businesses stepping up to solve challenges government cannot move fast enough to address. o    Notes aging workforce and need to attract younger tech talent. o    Encourages investors and general partners to stay active locally. o    Spark Angels \u2013 local angel network supporting early-stage innovation. Insights from \u201cStartup Communities\u201d by Brad Feld Core Principles for Building a Thriving Startup Ecosystem: 1.    Entrepreneurs Lead: o    Founders, not government or universities, must drive the community. 2.    Give First Mentality: o    Help others without expecting immediate returns\u2014creates long-term strength. 3.    Mentorship-Driven: o    Experienced leaders must guide and connect emerging entrepreneurs. 4.    Long-Term Commitment: o    Building a community takes 20+ years of consistent effort. 5.    Positive-Sum Game: o    One company\u2019s success lifts the entire ecosystem. 6.    Feeders vs. Leaders: o    Universities, investors, and government are feeders\u2014they support but don\u2019t lead. 7.    Embrace Mobility: o    People will come and go; welcome returnees to keep fresh ideas circulating. 8.    Complex Systems: o    Ecosystems evolve unpredictably; embrace experimentation and iteration. Author Background: \u00b7         Brad Feld \u2013 VC, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Techstars and Foundry Group. \u00b7         Built the Boulder, CO startup scene, widely seen as a model for city-based innovation ecosystems. The Vision for Phoenix 2030 \u00b7         Competing head-to-head with Texas and California for tech leadership. \u00b7         Migration trends are favorable\u2014more talent and capital moving into Arizona. \u00b7         The \u201cBig Bet\u201d: Phoenix reaches full tech hub status by 2030, driven by collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and civic partners.         Biotech Shows: https:\/\/brt-show.libsyn.com\/category\/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https:\/\/brt-show.libsyn.com\/size\/5\/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2\/12\/2023   Tech Topic: https:\/\/brt-show.libsyn.com\/category\/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https:\/\/brt-show.libsyn.com\/size\/5\/?search=best+of+tech   \u2018Best Of\u2019 Topic: https:\/\/brt-show.libsyn.com\/category\/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain \/ Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more\u2026    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http:\/\/aztrtshow.com\/ \u2018Best Of\u2019 AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https:\/\/www.economicknight.com\/azpodcast\/ KFNX Info: https:\/\/1100kfnx.com\/weekend-featured-shows\/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc. ","author_name":"AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0","author_url":"https:\/\/brt-show.libsyn.com\/","html":"